If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with savory sausage and tender rice, then this Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect bowl to warm your soul, combining smoky sausage slices, aromatic seasoning, and gooey melted cheddar cheese all in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Expect a lovely balance of textures and colors that will not only satisfy your appetite but brighten your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of the sausage to the creamy cheddar finish, each component is simple but key to the dish’s deliciousness.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage evenly while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Provides a smoky, savory base that anchors the dish.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to softness.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- Long-grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all the flavors while giving the dish a fluffy texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly.
- Paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice that balances the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that indulgent, melty, cheesy component everyone loves.
- Heavy cream or milk: Creates a creamy sauce that ties all ingredients together smoothly.
- Frozen peas or broccoli (optional): For a pop of color, nutrients, and light freshness.
- Chopped parsley: Used as a bright garnish to finish the dish with a fresh touch.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa in one even layer. Let the sausage cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it gets a beautifully browned, slightly crispy edge, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases the sausage’s smoky oils and flavors into the pan, setting the base for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook it alongside the sausage for about 3 minutes, or until it softens and starts to turn translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Then add the minced garlic and cook for a mere 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick sauté rounds out the savory aroma and adds layers of complexity to the dish.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
Now it’s time to bring everything together by stirring in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Let the rice toast slightly in the pan, mixing it with the sausage and onions to coat every grain with that flavorful fat. Pour in the chicken broth along with the paprika and black pepper, giving everything a good stir to combine. This liquid will cook the rice and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Covered
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the broth is fully absorbed. This slow simmer helps the rice soak up the smoky, garlicky goodness from the sausage and spices.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Veggies
Once the liquid is gone and the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream or milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen peas or broccoli if you choose to use them. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce and the veggies thaw through, making the dish decadently rich with bursts of color and flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve it hot right from the skillet for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped parsley adds a lovely color contrast and fresh aroma, you can also experiment with extra shredded cheese on top or a few crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole dish as well, creating a surprising but delightful twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad for freshness or steamed green beans for a light vegetable side. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the creamy richness beautifully, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or make your dinner look a little more special? Serve the cheesy sausage and rice recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden on top. Alternatively, stuff bell peppers with this cheesy sausage rice mixture for a fun handheld option that looks colorful and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making your next meal just as tasty. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to keep it fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish for longer, freeze it in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to press out all the air. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring the creamy texture back to life. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating and to keep everything creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, you can swap in brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice needs a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust the broth quantity and cooking time accordingly for best results.
What other types of sausage work well in this recipe?
Feel free to use any smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy Italian sausage if you like a little heat. Just slice them into rounds and cook as directed. Each sausage will bring its own unique flavor twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free if you carefully check the sausage brand for gluten-containing fillers or seasoning. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can opt for dairy-free cheese and use a non-dairy milk alternative instead of heavy cream or milk. The texture and flavor might shift slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding frozen peas or broccoli is a simple way to boost nutrition and color. You can also stir in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms when you add the onions for extra veggie goodness and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortlessly delicious, combines familiar flavors in a fresh way, and offers plenty of flexibility to customize. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, I’m betting it will become a staple in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese, it combines savory and creamy textures in a convenient stovetop dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Optional Add-ins and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, releasing their smoky flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add rice and seasonings: Mix in the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the rice: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add cheese and cream: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen peas or broccoli if using. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh touch, and serve hot as a delightful main course meal.
Notes
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep; store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
